What distinguishes Japanese sushi knives from Western-style knives is that many types of Japanese sushi knives are honed on only one side, the right side, to create the sharpest cutting edge possible.[more…]

Knives can cut you, whether they’re super sharp or very dull. Very sharp knives can easily cut skin, and dull knives can slip, putting you at risk for losing control and getting cut. You can prevent kitchen[more…]

You can find cast-iron cookware in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular cast-iron pieces are skillets and Dutch ovens, but you can find all sorts of other basic cast-iron pans and pots, too:[more…]

You need some basic equipment to start cooking — essential items for working in the kitchen. Here’s a short list of all-I-can-spend-now cooking equipment, including pots, pans, and other tools that no[more…]

Your freezer holds the stuff that has to stay cold. And because freezing foods keeps them good for much longer than room-temperature or refrigerated foods, you can put a lot of food in your freezer without[more…]

An authentic slow cooker is a simple, uncomplicated appliance with no moving parts. Even though you most likely know what a slow cooker looks like, this list breaks down the parts of every slow cooker:[more…]

You use some pots and pans more than others. The most common types of pots and pans create a solid foundation for your kitchen equipment. The pots and pans in this list are the most versatile, and you’ll[more…]

Cooking in a microwave oven is unlike any kind of conventional cooking. You must follow a different set of microwave-specific cooking rules. Although you can’t microwave every kind of food, your microwave[more…]

Home cooks really need only three essential knives: a 10- to 12-inch chef’s knife, a 9- to 12-inch serrated (bread) knife, and a small paring knife. When you go shopping for knives, you can find the right[more…]

Hand-washing dishes can be fun, therapeutic, or a pain in the glass. Get a dishwasher if you find no joy in suds. The bonus: Dishwashers actually use less water, energy, and soap compared with hand washing[more…]

A home cook can find a garbage disposal very handy. Garbage disposals, grind up the food that goes down the drain. You probably don’t need a garbage disposal if all you eat are frozen dinners and take-out[more…]

How you use your refrigerator plays a part in how effective it is as a storage device. Refrigerators have different layouts, but you can follow some basic guidelines to make any sort of refrigerator easy[more…]

Wash each component of your slow cooker when you first get it. Also wash each part of the slow cooker if you haven’t used it for an extended period. Always unplug the slow cooker before cleaning to avoid[more…]

A whole world of specialty pots and pans awaits when you’re ready to move beyond basic pots and pans. Use specialty pots and pans for specific types of cooking or for specific types of food dishes. This[more…]

You can make easy and delicious meals in your slow cooker, with some helpful tips, you can even convert your favorite traditional recipes to the slow cooker. Make sure you use the slow cooker temperature[more…]

As a candy-maker, you need specific tools and utensils. Some, like measuring cups and spoons, you probably already have and use; others, like a candy thermometer and a marble slab, don’t see much service[more…]

Test your pressure cooker if you haven't used it in a while or if it's brand new. Putting your pressure cooker through a test run ensures reliable cooking. Test it by heating some water under pressure[more…]